Restoring Joy to Orphans

Children in Uganda who suffered horrific abuse are smiling again as they become secure in the Father’s love

Childhood is supposed to be a carefree time full of love and nurturing, with plenty of time for playing and other fun activities.

That wasn’t the case for the children at an orphanage located in Uganda.

The home takes in street children and disadvantaged children who have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS or other related illnesses—boys and girls who know little of the untroubled joys of childhood.

Orphanages are supposed to provide loving care for children in such circumstances, but tragically that wasn’t the case here.

“It came to our attention that children were being abused by one of the staff members,” said Chris Blackham, director of the Samaritan’s Purse office in Uganda. “The children were starving and had no tangible quality of life. Children were psychologically tortured because of the poor living conditions and abuse. Their hope was gone, and they couldn’t trust anyone.”

Samaritan’s Purse interceded, providing the home with emergency food, spiritual counseling, and other assistance. The children were reminded that God created each of them for a purpose and has good plans for them.

“The training theme, ‘There Is a Hero in You,’ was not chosen by mistake,” Blackham said.

Sadly, the children’s experiences had taught them that they couldn’t trust any adults. Our staff was treated with suspicion when they first visited.

“We were not excited because we thought it was still the usual people who come and hear our problems and go away,” said Joseph, one of the boys at the home. “They did not promise us anything but told us instead to be hopeful that God would provide for our needs. We shared a prayer with them and they left.”

The mistrust turned to elation the next day when our staff returned.

“Samaritan’s Purse came back and brought with them bags and bags of food,” Joseph said. “Everyone at the home shouted with joy. People in the neighborhood came running thinking that something was wrong, but to their surprise they saw us shouting with joy! We thanked God for the provision of food because some children had even started uprooting crops from community member’s gardens in the neighborhood through desperate hunger.”

Our staff then organized an outing for the children, taking them to a restaurant and a playground.

“It was the best moment in our lives,” Joseph said. “We had fun, ate the best food ever, and started to forget the terrible experiences.”

Childhood joy slowly was restored as our staff continued to meet with the children. The boys and girls learned that, no matter what, they have a heavenly Father who cares about them deeply.

“I have learned to put my trust in God alone,” Joseph said. “We realized that even if we lose trust in people, God still loves us and so does Samaritan’s Purse. We learned that we were not born by mistake, that there is a ‘Hero’ in us and that God has good plans for us.

“We thank God for Samaritan’s Purse and praise God for caring and providing for us.”